Meet these little residents of Ethembeni Children’s Home – ‘the place of hope’

The location in Doornfontein qualifies for the word ‘dodgy’. The building is old and in need of much repair but is spotlessly clean. In the loving and dedicated care of Captain Nonkosazana Memani and her faithful team, these are some of the ‘special’ children who live there.

Mbeki* was delivered under the M1 bridge where his mother lived. Paramedics knew that she would be unable to care for him and he was brought to us when only a few days old.

Ntombi* was 10 days old when she came to live at Ethembeni. Arriving badly injured from abuse, today she’s a beautiful child aged two.

Of twins Adam* and Amal*, only Adam remains with us. The parents kept their healthy daughter, leaving behind the sickly twin.

And then there’s two-year-old Bongani*. Born to a mentally ill mother, Bongani is blind, autistic and HIV positive. He only has Ethembeni for survival.

Ethembeni exists because you support The Salvation Army, for which we are more grateful than you can imagine. The place may not be perfect, but the love and care that exists there holds everything together.

If anyone can help with donations of nappies, milk formula, food, clothing and toys, they would be received with open arms and heartfelt gratitude.

*Names have been changed to protect the children.